What is MTSS?
Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) is a framework for integrating levels (or tiers) of academic and behavior support to promote the success of all students. Sometimes referred to as RTI, or response to intervention, in Florida MTSS refers to the system of supports while RTI refers to how a student responds to instruction and intervention support. The ultimate goal of a MTSS is to provide high-quality instruction and the degree of support each student needs to be successful. MTSS is not a special program, class, or intervention, but rather a way of organizing instruction and intervention to help all students and promote early identification of students needing additional academic or behavioral support to be successful. MTSS is also used to help identify students who may need special education.
What are the key components of a multi-tiered system of support?
The key components of the multi-tiered system of supports (MTSS) are:
- High quality, research-based instruction in the general education setting
- Universal screening to identify students needing supplemental support (Tier 2 or Tier 3)
- Multiple tiers (levels) of instruction that are progressively more intense, based on the student’s response to instruction
- Evidence-based interventions matched to student need
- Ongoing progress monitoring of student performance (response to intervention)
In the multi-tiered system of supports, the progress of all students is monitored and instruction and intervention are provided in varying intensities (multiple tiers) based on student need.
What are tiered supports?
MTSS organizes instruction and intervention into tiers, which provide differing levels of supports:
- Tier 1 – All students receive high quality, core academic and behavior instruction and supports.
- Tier 2 – Students needing additional support receive more focused, targeted small group instruction/intervention and supports in addition to core academic and behavior curriculum and instruction.
- Tier 3 – Individual students receive the most intense instruction based on individual student need in addition to core and supplemental academic and behavior, curriculum, instruction, and supports
How does the school identify and support students?
Schools screen all students to identify students needing additional support. For student’s needing additional support, a school based-team (data review team or educational planning team - EPT) uses a problem solving process to develop and implement evidence-based interventions and monitor student response (RTI). Team membership varies depending on the student’s needs but should include individuals with knowledge of the student, grade-level expectations, the problem-solving process, evidence-based academic and behavioral interventions, progress monitoring, and diagnostic assessment. A school team typically includes an administrator; school counselor; teacher; intervention specialist; school psychologist; school social worker. When developing intensive, individual supports, a team member, may administer individual diagnostic assessments to help plan the intervention. Problem-solving teams at the individual student level (EPT) should always include the parents of the student.
What can I expect with MTSS?
- Information on my child’s progress in meeting grade-level standards/expectations
- Early identification of academic or behavioral concerns
- Instruction and intervention support that is matched to my child’s academic or behavioral needs
- Involvement in data-based problem solving for my child
- Feedback on how my child is responding to targeted and individual interventions
Where else can I find information on MTSS?
Who can I contact for information on MTSS at my child’s school?
For more information on MTSS at your child’s school, contact the school administrator or school counselor.
